Analysis of the entrepreneurial characteristics of three public universities in Minas Gerais – Brazil

Abstract

In this article we sought to analyze universities considered entrepreneurial in the context of developing countries. For this purpose, three public universities in the State of Minas Gerais were selected, which stood out in the Entrepreneurial University Ranking and in the Folha University Ranking, both of 2019. The theoretical model elaborated to guide the data analysis contemplated categories that characterize entrepreneurial universities - Technical Support, Physical Structure and Specialized Support -. Seven interviews were conducted with representatives of the Institutions directly linked to the entrepreneurial activities of IES, in addition to documentary research. The analysis of the characteristics of the public universities in Minas Gerais identified as entrepreneurial by the national rankings allowed us to verify that they present a lot of similarity in the elements that compose the categories Technical Support, Physical Structure and Specialized Support. The findings allowed the elaboration of four propositions that, if confirmed in future studies, could guide university actions with a view to strengthening the entrepreneurial institutional characteristics, their greater participation in the regional ecosystem and, consequently, in economic and social development.